How Bachelor in Paradise fumbled its first queer romance

The Muse

"Bachelor in Paradise aired a three-hour finale and reunion special Tuesday night, concluding Season 6 and a chapter of reality television that will likely be referenced in future Bachelor conversations for its apparent inclusiveness and queer representation," says Maria Sherman of Demi Burnett and Kristian Haggarty's relationship. "In reality, the show fumbled Demi Burnett’s coming out story and treated her engagement as one of its many regularly scheduled “surprise twists.” It came across as particularly dehumanizing." The special permissions given to Kristian, says Sherman, "felt like they were made so that The Bachelor franchise could film a queer love story, one that was already well established off-camera, and one that would end in an engagement without having to give them the space, time, or consideration the other couples who’ve had countless hours of screen time received." ALSO: Demi and Kristian's love story was handled with remarkable nuance and authenticity, two words that run counter to the show’s reputation.